Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Employee Rights and Unemployment Benefits in Florida

In order to receive unemployment compensation in Florida, you must meet the eligibility requirements.  In order to be eligible, you must meet the requirements below.
  • Your past earnings must meet the required minimum thresholds;
  • You must be unemployed through no fault of your own under Florida law; and
  • You must be able, available, and actively seeking employment.
Also, in order to receive benefits, the State looks at your work history and earnings during a one-year "base period."  In Florida, the base period is the most earliest four out of the five complete calendar quarters prior to you filing your claim.

During the base period, your work history and earnings must meet all of the below requirements:
  • You must have earned wages in at least two of the four calendar quarters that make up the base period;
  • Your earnings in during the entire base period must be at least one and a half times your wages in the highest paid quarter of the base period; and
  • You must have earned at least $3400 during the entire base period.
If you need help filing your unemployment claim, or fighting a denial of benefits, contact Ambuter Law.

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Unemployed? Here's an Employment Lawyer's Opinion on What to Do

     Just because you're unemployed, whether you're a fresh graduate or a professional, doesn't mean you should sit sedentary.  Below is a list of things you should be doing if you're unemployed.

1) Raise The Red Flag.  The solution to any problem is acknowledging that there is a problem.  If you have interviews lined by but aren't getting the jobs, step back and look at what the main issue may be.

2) Create Your Story.  Most people don't tell prospective employers a personal story.  Tell a prospective employer who you are and what you can bring to the job you are interviewing for.  Tell the employer what makes you = you.  Find a way to bridge your accomplishments into a set of skills that you can tell a prospective employer.

3.  Understand The Job Market.  Make sure to apply to an array of jobs.  What should matter to you is the work you're doing, not just the title.  Also, if you're able to, look at jobs that are in different geographical areas.  Some markets are doing better than others, and the ability to relocate may be appealing to employers.

4.  Build A Routine.  Just because you're unemployed doesn't mean you should sit in bed all day or not have a normal routine.  Make sure to implement a routine rich with activities that will keep you productive and efficient.

5.  Do Things You Love.  If you are passionate about volunteering, campaigning, or fundraising, make sure to stay involved even though you may not be working.  When you do what you love, it doesn't seem like work.

6.  Network.  Identify contacts in your field and reach out for advice.  Don't ask for a job, but consult with them how to handle multiple situations.  While they may not be able to offer you a job, they may know someone who can.

7.  Polish Your Skills.  Just because you're unemployed doesn't mean you shouldn't always be honing your skills.  Make sure to do participate in activities where you are using your skill set and knowledge on a daily or weekly basis.

8.  Freelancing.  Freelancing is a great option for those who are unemployed.  It gives you the ability to take on a project you may be passionate about, while still making some income while looking for full time work.

9.  Don't Give Up.  Just because it may be tough market, doesn't mean you should throw in the towel and give up.  Keep applying for jobs that interest you and keep honing your skills.  Your hard efforts will pay off.


If you are unemployed and seeking legal counsel, please contact Ambuter Law for your free case evaluation.

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Employment Law and At-Will Employment

What is employment-at-will?  At-will employment is defined as employment where an employer can terminate an employe at any time for any reason, except an illegal one, or for no reason without fear or incurring any liability.  The same works for the employee.  An employee is free to end his/her employment for any reason without fear of incurring any liability or adverse legal action.  Also, under at-will employment, an employer is free to change the terms of employment, such as wages or job responsibilities, with no notice and no consequences.

At-will employment can be modified by an employment contract.  A contract may provide for a specific term of employment, or specify that employment may be terminated only for cause.

Many states also have common law exceptions to at-will employment.  Those exceptions include public policy, implied contract, and implied covenant of good faith.  However, these exceptions do not apply in Florida.

For more information on at-will employment, please click here.

If you have any questions regarding at-will employment or your rights in the worplace, please contact Ambuter Law for your free case evaluation.